Global Dairy Markets Face Heightened Uncertainty Following Sweeping US Tariffs

Global dairy markets are facing heightened uncertainty following the sweeping tariffs imposed by the US administration. As part of a broader trade strategy, US President Trump introduced plans on April 2 to implement a 10% baseline tariff across the board, with steep rates for specific countries, including 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 46% on Vietnam, and 32% on Taiwan.

Mexico and China, two of the largest buyers of US dairy products such as cheese and whey powders, are at the forefront of these concerns. US exports to these markets are expected to decline in the...

AEB Welcomes New Members and Executive Committee

The American Egg Board (AEB) announced new members and alternates, who were sworn in by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The AEB, which is made up of 36 egg farmers, has also approved its newly elected Executive Committee.

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, reappointed the following Members and Alternates for another two-year term:

Jeff Cutler, Fort Recovery, OH
Mindy Creighton-Truex, Atwood, IN
Sean Delano, Whitewater, WI
Ted Greidanus, Neosho, MO
Jessica Hanslik, Jackson, MS
Thomas Hertzfeld, Grand Rapids, OH
Clint Hickman, Buckeye, AZ...

Hearthside Food Recalls 489,887 Pounds of Misbranded Sausage and Bacon Breakfast Sandwiches 

Hearthside Food Solutions is recalling approximately 489,887 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) sausage and bacon breakfast sandwiches. According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), these products are being recalled due to misbranding. The sandwiches contain sesame, a known allergen, which was not listed on the product labels.

Details of the recalled products:

*8.35-oz. individually film wrapped sandwiches of “LETTIERI’S FOOD TO GO Sausage, Egg & Cheese FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST SANDWICH” with lot codes beginning with the numbers 23, 24 and 25 up to 2508451...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

Today, the White House Press Conference will air at 4PM where US President Trump will make an announcement regarding immediately-effective reciprocal tariffs on countries who trade with the US.

"Too many foreign countries have their markets closed to [US] exports," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt when referring to trade deficits and non-monetary trade barriers.

The message that has been consistent: "If you make your product in America, you will pay no tariffs," said Leavitt.

Auto tariffs have been scheduled for April 3, according to an April 1 press...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Market Faces Uncertainty with Record-Low Inventories

February's cold storage report shows a year-over-year (YoY) decrease for every turkey category. This is largely a result of extremely low production caused by ongoing disease issues. The least dramatic YoY decrease was noted for whole birds with a decline of 5.6%, while the most significant was for MST at a value 26.1% lower. While the overall YoY decrease is indicative of supply constraints, the differences in the losses among these categories tells the story of demand.

Demand for frozen whole turkeys was relatively lackluster throughout Fall '24...

ANALYSIS: Headwinds and Tailwinds in Chicken Cold Storage

Given the seasonally robust performance of the chicken market recently, industry participants are closely analyzing the latest data to guide their expectations for Q2. The most recent Cold Storage Report offers some insight into the current market conditions while also raising a few additional questions.

As of February, public warehouse stocks reached 793.3 million pounds, marking a departure from an 18-month year-over-year (YoY) decline that has persisted since August 2023. Compared to February 2024, stocks increased by 0.8%. However, a net outflow of production from...

USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion Programs for 2025

The USDA has announced its plans for agricultural trade promotion programs for 2025 and has begun accepting applications for four key export market development programs.

“Our job at USDA is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. The previous administration left agriculture with a $50 billion trade deficit. President Trump and I will not sit idly by - we are actively working to open new markets and remove existing barriers,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are putting farmers first. These programs are a crucial step in...

Australia and New Zealand Red Meat Sectors React to 10% US Tariff

The US announced a new 10% tariff on Australian and New Zealand meat on Wednesday, April 2, putting an end to the countries' free trade agreement.  

Australia will seek to negotiate to eliminate the tariff, prime minister Anthony Albanese said after the tariff announcement. "We will not join a race to the bottom that leads to higher prices and slower growth," he said. 

Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) and the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) will be part of the negotiations, both organizations said... 

New, Value-added US Red Meat Products Launched in Peru

USMEF partners with Peruvian importer to develop and launch affordable, nutrient-rich products made with U.S. beef liver and U.S. ham

USMEF partnered with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and a Peruvian importer to introduce two U.S. red meat products to media outlets and 70 retailers, processors, caterers and institutional representatives in Lima. A liver burger and liver meatballs were developed with U.S. beef liver and U.S. ham to be affordable, easy-to-prepare meal options rich in iron and protein.

The idea for creating value-added products evolved...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Tenderloin Prices Climb Ahead of Grilling Season

With grilling season on the horizon, it’s a perfect opportunity to revisit the beef tenderloin, a cut that has faced headwinds for much of the year.

Choice tenderloin monthly price levels have averaged about 10% lower year-over-year when compared with the equivalent month in 2024, reflecting the cost-conscious environment the beef industry has navigated thus far in 2025. Prices hit a seasonal low in February at $12.30/lb, and have since increased nearly 10%, a stronger rebound compared to last year’s modest...

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Promotes Kevin McDaniel to President & CEO, Succeeding Clint Rivers

Wayne-Sanderson Farms, one of the nation's leading poultry producers, has announced the promotion of its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin McDaniel, to President and Chief Executive Officer.

“I look forward to building upon the strong foundation we have established and continuing our growth by fostering a positive culture for our employees, ensuring top-quality products and services for our customers, and

maintaining strong relationships with our farm partners and the communities we serve."

He will succeed Clint Rivers, who will continue to serve as Executive...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Sizzle Fuels Protein Demand

Spring promotions are in full bloom at retail, with holiday-themed ads ramping up. Circulars showcase produce and snacking items alongside grilling staples, aiming to entice shoppers with vibrant displays and seasonal appeal. Beyond holiday preparations, schools and universities are approaching spring break season, likely driving an uptick in foodservice in the coming weeks. 

In some regions, grocers are leveraging hams as loss leaders ahead of Easter. Last week, discounted bone-in ham averaged $2.56 per pound, while spiral-sliced varieties stood at $2.61 per pound—steady to lower than last year’s levels...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 26 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, March 2025 Overview

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

M&A in the global agri-food industry is an ongoing and very regular trend. Although many companies are putting the brakes on M&A as they face tariffs and market uncertainty, hundreds of deals continue to take place each month.

On today's episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we showcase selected mergers and acquisitions in the agri-food sector that took place in March 2025.

Jack in the Box Appoints Lance Tucker as Permanent CEO

Jack in the Box Inc., one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains, has named Lance Tucker its permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Tucker will also join the company’s Board of Directors.

Tucker had been serving as the company's interim CEO following the resignation of Darin Harris in February 2025. Prior to this role, he was Jack in the Box’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well as a financial mind into the CEO role that is...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 995 dairy operations across 17 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the situation...

Cargill Kitchen Solutions Recalls 212,268 Pounds of Liquid Egg Products

Cargill Kitchen Solutions is recalling approximately 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products due to potential contamination with a cleaning solution containing sodium hypochlorite.

The recall was initiated after the company received a tip regarding the contamination. Following a thorough investigation, FSIS scientists determined that the use of the affected products poses negligible risk to health, resulting in a Class III recall.

The products were produced on March 12 and 13, 2025, and bear the establishment number "G1804" on the label. They were shipped...

Yum! Brands CEO Set to Retire in 2026

Yum! Brands has announced that David Gibbs, the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, will retire after nearly four decades of service. Gibbs, who became CEO in January 2020, has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire in the first quarter of 2026.

In preparation for this transition, the Board has formed a succession planning committee tasked with identifying and appointing Gibbs’ successor. Gibbs will remain with the company throughout the search process and until his retirement.

Under Gibbs' leadership, Yum! Brands saw remarkable growth...

ANALYSIS: Lowest February Pork Cold Storage on Record

In February 2025, total pork stocks in cold storage reached 423.1 million pounds, rising 15.9 million pounds (3.9%) from January but still down 35.5 million pounds (-7.75%) from February 2024, marking the lowest February figure with data going back to 1999. This reflects a moderate seasonal rebuild yet continued tightness compared to historical levels.

Total hams increased 4.2 million pounds (5.3%) from January and 13.1 million pounds (18.63%) from last year. Belly stocks rose 6.9 million pounds (16.5%) month-over-month but remain 15.2 million pounds (-23.8%) below...

Jollibee Premieres Its NEW 100% Certified Angus Beef® Burgers

Jollibee has announced the nationwide launch of its new menu items. The global restaurant, renowned for its fried chicken, aims to appeal to meat lovers with its new 100% Certified Angus Beef® burgers: the Angus Cheeseburger, Angus Deluxe Burger, and Angus Aloha Burger.

Jollibee highlights that these new offerings will set a new standard of quality in the quick-service industry, while reinforcing its commitment to value.

"We're confident that our trio of new premium Angus burgers will be...

ANALYSIS: The Perfect Storm Drives Jumbo Boneless Chicken Breast Prices

Current chicken boneless breast meat prices are well above the 5-year average and are quickly approaching record highs. With year-to-date (YTD) ready-to-cook production at an all-time high, it raises the question: what is driving prices upward? As discussed in several market conversations, there is a perfect storm of factors pushing prices higher—even amid record production.

The first component to consider when analyzing the upward-trending market is current demand. Per capita consumption forecasts from the USDA estimate... 

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Market Stabilises Following Six-Week Price Rally

The European Union's shell egg market has experienced a notable shift last week, marking the end of a six-week price rally. After a sustained period of price increases, the market has now reached a point of stabilisation, driven by a combination of slowing demand and improving supply conditions. Despite this stabilisation, prices remain historically high, with record-high values observed across all housing types.

In the retail sector, buyers are adopting a cautious approach due to the elevated prices. Many retailers...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Decline Grinds to a Halt

Cage-free egg market movement has stalled following a 41% drop to $5.78/dozen in March. Now that supply volumes are more closely aligned with renewed consumer demand, most activity is occurring near supportive levels – a dramatic change in pace given the market's recent volatility.

Retail demand has started to pick up this week, driven in part by modest declines in shelf prices. Most notably, upcoming April features have led some retailers to pull well above average volumes from suppliers, reducing the amount of product available on the open market...

Idaho Smokehouse Partners Recalls Nearly 30,000 Pounds of Meat Sticks Contaminated with Metal

Today, FSIS announced a recall by Idaho Smokehouse Partners, LLC, a Shelley, Idaho-based company, for approximately 29,541 pounds of ready-to-eat beef stick products that may be contaminated with metal.

The affected items are 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “CHOMPS ORIGINAL BEEF STICK MILD,” with an expiration date of 02-10-2026 and lot code 25016 printed on the label. The products also bear the establishment number “6220A” ink-jetted on the package.

These beef sticks were produced...

Applegate Achieves Milestone in Regenerative Sourcing Nine Months Early

Hormel Foods’ natural and organic meat brand, Applegate, announced it has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% of the beef for its hot dog brands from certified regenerative grasslands — nine months ahead of schedule.

As of today, every Applegate Organics® The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog and Applegate Naturals® Beef Hot Dog is sourced exclusively from verified regenerative farms certified by Regenerative Organic Certification, Land to Market, and Certified Regenerative (endorsed by Certified Humane®).

This achievement has contributed to the transition of...

Tim Hortons® Appoints Naira Saeed as New Chief Operating Officer

Tim Hortons® announced today Naira Saeed as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing restaurant and field operations, franchising and development across Canada.

Saeed began her career working in capital markets, including at the Bank of Canada, before joining Tim Hortons in 2017 as the brand’s Head of Finance. In the eight years since, Saeed has led a number of the teams responsible for restaurant operations, franchising and franchisee profitability.

Saeed will continue to report to and work closely with Axel Schwan, President of...

ANALYSIS: UK’s Ongoing Measures Against Bluetongue

The UK government has been actively working to restrain the spread of Bluetongue among its herds, taking measures through restriction zones, pre-movement virus tests and licensing requirements. The latest effort is a vaccination cost calculator tool created by the AHDB on March 18, as part of the Battle Bluetongue vaccination campaign that launched in February 2025. The online tool aims to help farmers and vets make informed decisions about vaccinations by calculating the risk costs of Bluetongue against the monetary benefits of vaccinating...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Grapples with Volatility Amid Historic Supply Lows and Demand Swings

The US egg market continues to contend with significant volatility, shaped by historically low production levels and sharp demand fluctuations. The USDA reported on Friday that the national layer flock stands at 285 million head, marking the lowest count for the month of March since 2009. Over the past decade, the average March flock size has been 321 million, highlighting the severity of the current underproduction.

This supply-side constraint is largely due to the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza...

Kroger Responds to Albertsons’ Lawsuit, Files Counterclaims

Kroger has announced that it has filed its formal answer and counterclaims in response to Albertsons' lawsuit, which was brought before the Delaware Court of Chancery following the termination of the proposed merger.

On December 11, 2024, Albertsons called off its bid to merge with Kroger after a two-year effort, subsequently filing a suit alleging breach of contract in connection with the collapse of the deal. 

Today, Kroger issued a statement revealing that it had filed its answer and counterclaims. The company asserts that while it was diligently working to secure regulatory...